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Showing posts from February, 2012


Mantra Devi Temple in Yamunanagar in Haryana

Mantra Devi Temple is Yamunanagar in Haryana is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and is located atop the Shivalik Mountain . To reach the temple one has reach Jagadhri, from there take the road to Bilaspur and then by passing through Ranjeetpur and Kathgarh Village to reach the mountain. The motorable route is about 35 Km from Jagadhri. After the motorable road one has to walk nearly four kilometers to reach the shrine. The temple is visited along with the famous Kapal Mochan Tirth. It is believed that the Goddess first made her appearance here in the form of a Beri tree. Today she is visible here in the form of a pindi. In the temple, which is in the form of a cave there is a murti of Naranarayana. Apart from this there are murtis of Hanuman and Bharawas. A nearby mountain is considered sacred and is known as Gurushikhar. On the mountain there are murtis of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.  Other nearby holy places includes Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narain, Suraj Kun

Adi Badri Temple in Yamunanagar in Haryana

Adi Badri Temple is a sacred placed located in Yamunanagar District in Haryana. It is believed Sage Ved Vyasa composed the Bhagavad Purana here. Another legend has it that Pandavas spent the last year of their exile here. Adi Badri is located around from the famous Kapal Mochan Tirth. The popular belief is that Vishnu resided in Adi Badri in the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga and Dwapar Yuga. It is believed that he shifted to the present Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand in the beginning of the Kali Yuga. Adi Badri Temple is located in the Shivalik Hills. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old. The temple is located on the banks of Som River . A huge fair is held here on the Akshaya Tritiya day in Vaishakh Month. Apart from the Adi Badri Temple the place also has a temple dedicated to Shiva – a naturally formed Shivling believed to be Adi Kedarnath. There is also a temple of Goddess Shakti . There is pond located here and the water in it is belie

Download Bhagavad Gita text in German in pdf for free

Bhagavad Gita text in German in pdf for free is provided by Shri Swami Adgadanandji of Yatharthgeeta website. Each chapter of Bhagavad Gita is presented in a separate pdf file. You can download all the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita in German but only separately not as a single book. You can download the  Bhagavad Gita in German in pdf format here at the Yatharth Geeta website. 

Anjani Devi Temple at Haridwar

Anjani Devi Temple at Haridwar is dedicated to Anjana, mother of Hanuman . The temple is around 4 km from Hari ki Paudi in Haridwar. Also known as Anjani Mata shrine, it is located near the famous Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Shrine. A small it enshrines murtis of Anjani Mata and Hanuman. Anjani Devi temple is a 3-km trek from Chandi Ghat and is around 200 meters from the Chandi Devi shrine. The temple is also accessible by a ropeway, which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple . The ropeway is to the Chandi Devi Temple . Related Story of Anjani – Mother of Hanuman

Audio Book – Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata

BooksTALK audiobooks and Penguin India have launched audio book of the popular book written by Devdutt Pattanaik titled, Jaya - An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. The audio book has been beautifully rendered by Devdutt himself, along with the artistes of the Dramanon Theatre Company, Dramanon.  ‘Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata’ by Devdutt Pattanaik attempts to retell the rural stories in India that were inspired by the Mahabharata.  You can listen to a sample of the Jaya audio book here – Samplefrom the audio book. Audio Book - Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata Published by Penguin Books India Price – Rupees 499/- You can download the book here or buy it in cd form here.

Kushavarta Ghat – Haridwar

Kushavarta Ghat, Haridwar is a sacred spot chosen by millions of Hindus to perform holy bath and Shradh rituals at Haridwar. This bathing spot is located 500 meters south of Hari Ki Pauri. The remains of the dead are immersed in this Ghat Legend has it that Dattatreya performed Tapas here for thousands of years. Some legends mention that Dattatreya stood on leg at Kushavarta Ghat for thousands of years. Apart from taking holy dip, anther important ritual performed here is Shradh. People from around the country perform Shradh rituals dedicated to the departed souls in their family. Kushavarta Ghat was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar.

Annamacharya Vardhanthi 2024 date

Annamacharya Vardhanthi is the death anniversary of Saint-Poet Annamayya, who composed more than 32,000 devotional songs extolling the glory of Lord Venkateswara, the lord of Seven Hills in Tirumala Tirupati. Annamacharya Vardhanthi 2024 date is April 6. The Vardhanthi date is based on traditional Hindu Lunar Calendar. It is observed on the Phalguna Krishna Paksha Dwadasi. Sri Annamacharya (May 9, 1408 – February 23, 1503) was a saint composer in the fifteenth century and he hailed from the Tallapaka village in Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Annamacharya is one of the earliest popular composers in Telugu. You may also like to read A Prayer dedicated to Lord Venkateswara from Tallapaka Annamacharya Annamacharya Keerthanalu Free Download – Annamayya Songs Download

Pictures of Navagunjara and Arjuna in Orissa Ganjifa Cards

Navagunjara is an animal mentioned in the Oriya Mahabharata written by Sarala Das. It is believed that Vishnu appeared as Navagunjara to impart a very important lesson to Arjuna. The lesson was that human mind is limited but universe is boundless. The story of Navagunjara and Arjuna is a popular theme in the Ganjifa Card painting in Orissa. Navgunjara had the head of rooster or cock, neck of peacock, hump of a bull, tail of a serpent, leg of elephant, leg of tiger, leg of antelope and hands of human beings. You can view the Navagunjara and Arjuna Ganjifa cards made in Puri, Orissa, here at the IGNCA website . Related Story of Navagunjara and Arjuna

Veerabhadra Temple Festival at Virbhadra near Rishikesh

Veerabhadra Temple , dedicated to Shiva, is an ancient temple located at Virbhadra Town near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The annual temple festival and fair is held on Phalgun Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi day. Veerabhadra Temple Festival 2024 date is March 8. The mela coincides with the Mahashivratri festival. The town and the temple are named after Virabhadra , who was created by Shiva in anger after he heard about the news of the death of Sati. Shiva is a ferocious form is worshipped in the temple. Night long jagran and special pujas are held on the occasion. 

Download Book Titled – Puranas in the Light of Modern Science in pdf for free

Puranas in the light of modern Science is a book written by K. Narayanaswami Aiyar and the second edition of the book was published in 1916. The book is currently available for free download in pdf format at the website of the Central Archaeology Library in New Delhi . The book explores the scientific basis to the Puranas. Link – You can download the book here from ASI website - Puranas in the light of modern Science (please note that in the link click on the pdf view to download the book)

Float Festival 2024 at Tirupati Venkateswara Temple - Boat Ride of Deities on Temple Pond

Float Festival is the boat festival annually held at Tirupati Balaji Temple. The processional deity of Sri Venkateswara in various guises seated on a boat takes ride in the holy waters of Swami Pushkarini for five days.  The annual Float Festival at Tirumala is scheduled to take place from March 20 to March 26, 2024. Also known as ‘Boat Festival’ or ‘Teppotsavam’, it is one of the important annual festivals being performed in Tirumala Balaji Temple. It is celebrated for five consecutive days in the evenings at around 6 pm with religious fervour. The processional deities are taken in a boat (Teppam), in the temple tank, together with chanting of hymns and the playing of nadhaswaram. On the first day, the processional deity in the form of Sri Rama takes the boat ride along with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman. On the second day, Lord as Sri Krishna takes ride along with Goddess Rukmini. On the last three days, Sri Malayappa Swami (Balaji) flanked by his two consorts Sridevi

Download Bhagavad Gita text in Russian in pdf for free

Bhagavad Gita text in Russian in pdf for free is provided by Shri Swami Adgadanandji of Yatharthgeeta website. Each chapter of Bhagavad Gita is presented in a separate pdf file. You can download all the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita in Russian but only separately not as a single book. You can download the  Bhagavad Gita in Russian in pdf format here at theYatharthgeeta website . 

Prem Mandir at Vrindavan – New Krishna Temple founded by Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj

Dedicated to Sri Krishna, Prem Mandir, is one of the largest and most beautiful Hindu temples in Vrindavan, India. It will be inaugurated on February 17, 2012 – The Pran Prathishta of Murtis will be taking place on February 17. The temple is founded by Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj of the Jagadguru Kripalu Parishad. Prem Mandir is located on the outskirts of Vrindavan in 54 acres. It took 11 years to complete the temple. The temple is elegantly carved in white Italian marble. The outer walls of the temple depicts 84 leelas of Sri Krishna and Radha. Inside the temple one can view the philosophy of bhakti yog, as revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, inlaid in the ornate walls with semi-precious stones. Kripalu Trayodashi, the famous concise overview of all of the philosophy of Hindu dharm in only 13 verses, composed by Kripaluji Maharaj, is displayed just next to the main shrine. The temple is also adorned with beautiful sculptures of deities and incidents in Hindu

Limited Edition Hanuman Idol in Gold from Faberge and Amrapali

International Design Company, Faberge, and Indian jewellery house, Amrapali, have come together with a unique limited edition Hanuman idol in 18-carat gold with mechanical movement. Hanuman murti can bow his head and also reveal the miniature sculpture of Sri Ram and Mata Sita in his heart. Only just 18 pieces of the murti are available worldwide and is part of the divine heritage collection launched by Faberge and Amrapali.  India Today reports   Set in 18 carat solid yellow gold and encrusted with diamonds, amethysts, and malachites, the idol's novelity lies in its precise mechanical movement, handcrafted by artist Lawrence Heyda. Press the foot of the idol and the intricate mechanism allows the Hanuman to bow his head, open his arms and reveal the illuminated miniature sculpture of Lordships Sita and Rama in his heart. Limited to just 18 pieces worldwide, it would take more than just prayers to procure one. Price on request. 

Narayani Shila Temple – Haridwar

Narayani Shila Temple Haridwar is an important sacred spot on the banks of Ganga at Haridwar. The temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and is located near the famous Ganesh Ghat. The most important ritual performed at Narayani Shila is Pinda Dan to ancestors, parents and relatives. Those people suffering from Pitru Dosh also perform rituals here. Those dead relatives who are suffering in Preta Yoni get moksha when relatives perform puja here. Pitru Moksh japa and Yajna and Shradh rituals are also performed here. Those people who are troubled by spirits also come here and get relief. Inside the temple there is a half shila and murti of Vishnu. There is also a murti of Vishnu outside the temple. Thousands small mounds can be seen in the vicinity of the temple – these are created by relatives for the peace of the dead in their family. The legend associated with Narayani Shila is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. It is believed that when Vishnu defeated Gayasura, he split i

Tallest Shivling in Rudraksh at Dharampur in Valsad during Mahashivratri 2012

Batuk Vyas, a Shiva devotee and rudraksha expert, from Dharampur taluka in Valsad district in Gujarat has been creating Shivling from Rudraksh for the past several years. He has been increasing the size of Rudraksh Shivling each year and for Mahashivratri 2012 he has created a 31.25 feet Rudraksha Shivling from 2 million Rudraksha beads. The Shivling will be inaugurated on February 19, 2012. Times of India reports  The 31.25 feet tall Shivling, which took more than 25,000 hours for erection, has been set on steel structure with the help of threads in vertical lines.  25 feet Shivling in Rudraksh created in 2011 by Batuk Vyas For Vyas, who started by making an 11-inch Rudraksha Shivling in 2000, there is no looking back. In 2008, the 15 feet tall Rudkrash Shivling got an entry in Limca Book of Records and he broke his own record by erecting 21 feet tall Shivling in 2010.  Last year, during the Mahashivratri festival Vyas had erected 25 feet tall Shivling using more tha

Avighnakar Chaturthi

Avighnakar Chaturthi is dedicated to Ganesha and is observed on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi in Phalgun month – fourth day during the waxing phase of moon in Phalguna month. Avighnakar Chaturthi 2024 date is March 13. It is highly auspicious when the day falls on Tuesday. Then there is Angarak Yog. Tuesday is the day dedicated to Ganesha. The popular belief is that prayers offered on the day will help in removing all sorts of obstacles. The vrat offered on the day is highly meritorious. For vrat devotees wake up before sunrise and perform bath. Then they offer prayers to Ganesha. Only simple vegetarian food is eaten on the day. Food is also donated on the day to hungry or poor. The Vrat ends with the sighting of the moon.

Gau Ghat in Haridwar

Gau Ghat – Haridwar – is an important bathing spot in Ganga River in Haridwar. It is located south of Brahma Kund or Hari ki Paudi. It is believed that those taking bath here will get redemption from sin associated with the killing of a cow. Gau Hatya is one of the greatest sins in Hinduism. ‘Go’ or cow is considered to be mother. She also symbolically represents mother earth and is believed to nourish all living beings. Those people who accidentally killed a cow visit Gau Ghat and perform holy dip. A popular Ghat with devotees, Subhash Ghat is located nearby. There a couple of hotels and a famous market in the vicinity of Gau Ghat.

Mangal Mangalik Yog Solution and Shanti

Mangalik Yog in a horoscope is considered to highly inauspicious especially in regard to marriage. This is strictly followed by those who believe and follow astrology and horoscope. Mangal Mangalik Yog is the result of the bad positioning of Mangal Grah . The solution or Mangal Mangalik Yog Shanti suggested in most texts is Mangala Gauri Vrat for seven Tuesdays. The best month is to Mangala Gauri Vrat is during the Tuesdays in Shravan month and continue for another two or three Tuesdays in Bhadrapad month. Another option is to do Mangalvar Vrat for seven Tuesdays this can be done in any month. The mantra that is to be chanted for Shanti is Om kram kreem krom sa: Bhoumaya Namaha. Donating food and clothes to the poor is also considered highly meritorious. Related How to do Mangal Puja? – Worship of Hindu God Mangal Graha

Temples of India and Mythological Theme Park Planned near Alipiri in Tirumala

A theme park based on the important temples in India and Hindu stories from epics and Puranas is being planned near Alipiri in Tirumala. To be established in 38 acres the park would have Temples of India, Mythological Theme Park , Sri Venkateswara Museum , a three-star hotel, amphi theatre, shopping mall, cultural centre, and entertainment zone including restaurants.  The Hindu Business Line reports  Sri Vaishnovi Infra Ventures and Resorts Pvt Ltd has signed an agreement with the Tourism Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, during the CII Partnership Summit to establish the Temples of India and Mythological Theme Park near Alipiri on the foothills of Tirumala.  The Rs 300-crore project has been designed by architect Nitish Roy.  Through the Temples of India and Mythological Theme Park , it is proposed to display mythological themes such as “Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam” and replicas of famous temples such as Puri, Annavaram, Simhachalam, Ahobilam and Guruvayoor.

Haridwar Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple is a must visit temple for those visiting Haridwar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. Legend has it that Chanda and Munda were annihilated by Goddess Chandi here. The main Murti in the temple is Swayambhu (appeared on its own) – the murti that is worshiped was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8 th century. The temple is also one among the Panch Tirth in Haridwar. Situated atop the Neel Parvat, the temple was constructed in 1929 by Suchat Singh, King of Kashmir. The shrine is located 4 km from Har ki Pauri in Haridwar. The temple is a 3-km trek from Chandi Ghat. The shrine is now also accessible by a ropeway, which starts near the Gauri Shankar Temple . Chandi Devi Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM Nearby Temples include Mansa Devi Temple , Neeleshwar Temple , Nageshwar Temple and the temple dedicated to Anjana Devi, mother of Hanuman. More Details If interested read more about Goddess Chan

Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat Rules

Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat is observed for attaining peace, prosperity and happiness. Below are the rules dedicated to the Vaibhav Laxmi Vrat. The vrat is generally observed by married woman. Unmarried woman and men can also observe the vrat. Complete fast on the day. The Prasad that is offered to Goddess Lakshmi can be eaten by the person undertaking fast. If you have health issues or are working you can take a single vegetarian meal on the day. Another option is to eat fruits. Fasting starts before sunrise and ends after sunset and evening puja. The vrat should be performed with devotion not with a particular desire or aim. The Vrat should be observed for 11 or 21 Fridays. You can skip a Friday if there is monthly periods (menstruation) or you traveling or any unfortunate incident in the family. The prayers can be dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Dhan Lakshmi or Shri Yantra. There is only need to place a single coin before Goddes

Download Sri Adi Shankaracharya Bhasya of Isa – Katha and Taittiriya Upanishad in Sanskrit in Audio mp3 format

Adi Shankaracharya’s commentary on Upanishads, or Shankara Upanishad Bhashya, is one of the most authoritative and most sought after commentaries. Vedabhoomi is currently offering Sri Adi Shankaracharya Bhasya of Isa Upanishad, Katha Upanishads and Taittiriya Upanishad in Sanskrit in audio form. You can download the mp3 files for free. Link – Adi Shankaracharya Bhasya of Isa – Katha and TaittiriyaUpanishad

Saptarishi Ashram – Haridwar

Saptarishi Ashram Haridwar is dedicated to Saptarishis in Hindu tradition. Sapt Rishis are the seven ancient sages in Hinduism - Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadhvaja, Vishvamitra, Gauthama, Jamadagni and Vashishta. Saptarishi Ashram is located around 5 km from Har Ki Pauri. The spot is around 1.5 km from Bhima Goda. Located near the Saptarishi Ashram is the Saptadhara or Saptasarovar.  Legend has it that the Saptarishis meditated here and Ganga formed seven streams to cater to the Sapta Rishis. Another nearby sacred spot is the Paramarth Ashram. Nearby the Ashram there are numerous Ghats as River Ganga is only a two minutes walk from the Ashram. Across the River on can see the famous Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary. The Ashram compound also houses several temples. The Ashram also has numerous small cottages which are rented out to devotees. Sculptors of five Pandava brothers and Panchali are a highlight at Saptarishi Ashram. It is believed that Pandavas passed through

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Fair and Festival at Dehradun on Shivratri

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Shiva and the fair and festival held here during Shivratri is highly auspicious. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Mela 2024 date is March 8. The temple is around 6 km from Dehradun city center and is located in Ghari area. The Mahashivratri day in phalgun month attracts thousands of devotees. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located on the banks of a river and the highlight of the temple is that water falls drop by drop atom the Shivling in the temple from a rock crevice. During Mahashivratri there is night long jagran at the temple. Special pujas and bhajans are held on the occasion.

Santan Kameshwari Mantra

Santan Kameshwari Mantra is part of Shakti Upasana practiced by certain Hindu communities. It is believed that chanting this mantra is meritorious for those women who are unable to become mother. The practitioners of this mantra believe that through propitiating Goddess Shakti, women will become pregnant and beget healthy children. The Dhyan mantra is Bhaje kameshwari devi shivake roopsannibham Vratanushtan matrene aashu santan vardinim The mantra that is to be chanted Aum kleem aim hreem Shreem namo bhagavati santankameshwari Garbhavirodh Nirasya nirasya samyak sheekr santanmupadyyopadya swaha Shri kameshwari yee aparnamastu Below is the mantra in Hindi

Purmandal Mela and Festival in Jammu and Kashmir

Purmandal Temples are dedicated to Shiva and the annual mela and festival is held during Phalgun Krishna Paksha Trayodashi and Chaturdasi and coincides with the Shivratri. Purmandal Temple Mela 2024 date is March 8 and March 9.  Also known as Choti Kashi, there are numerous temples dedicated to Shiva in this region including the famous ones at nearby Utterbani. The area is famous for numerous temples dedicated to Shiva, the popular of them being Ranbireshwar Temple , Panjbhaktar Temple and Peer Khoh. Purmandal Mela celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. The fair attracts thousands of Shiva devotees. The ancient temples of Purmandal are located on the banks of the Devak River . The temples were part of the Shaivite tradition in Kashmir . Many Kashmiri Pandits from India and abroad make it to be a part of the mela. Purmandal Temple is 40 km from Jammu . 

A film on Barbareek – Khatu Shyam – in Mahabharata, with actors from the famous Doordarshan Mahabharata serial

Khatu Shyam, also known as Babreek, is the grandson of Pandava Bhima and son of Ghatotkacha. He willingly gave his head in charity to Sri Krishna before the Mahabharata war as he was forced to side with the Kauravas. Now a film is being made on the story of Barabareek and the highlight being the actors who portrayed the characters in the famous Doordarshan Mahabharata serial will enact the same roles the in the film. Legend has it that the head of Khatu Shyam was placed atop a hill near the Kurukshetra and it watched the entire Mahabharata war from there. Sri Krishna also gave the boon to Barbareek that he will be worshipped in the Kaliyuga just like him. Famous temples dedicated to Khatu Shyam are located in North India , especially in Rajasthan. Times of Indiareports  The show that became a household favourite will feature on the silver-screen, thanks to producer K.K. Yadav and director Dharmesh Tiwari. Interestingly, the film, titled Barbareek, will star all of the show